Hormones, context, and “Brain Gender”: A review of evidence from congenital adrenal hyperplasia

► Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic condition involving complex disruptions of steroid hormones. ► This review suggests that brain organization theory obscures gaps and inconsistencies in evidence from research on CAH. ► Brain organization studies interpret “masculinity” in females with CAH as the effect of androgens on brain development. ► Studies have systematically neglected effects of postnatal biological factors, medical interventions, and social context. ► Intensive medical treatment and surveillance may exacerbate some differences between CAH-affected and unaffected females.